SPORTS REPORTER

Bangladesh suffered their second successive defeat in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup as favourites China handed the girls in red and green a 2-0 loss in their Group A clash at Nonthaburi Stadium in Bangkok yesterday.

Bangladesh now must beat Vietnam on April 7 to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

After a goalless first half, Yu Xingyue and Wang Aifang struck after the break to seal China’s second straight win, following their convincing victory over Vietnam.

Still reeling from a narrow loss to Thailand, Bangladesh made one change to the starting lineup, with coach Peter Butler bringing in Puja Das for Sopna Rani. However, the side failed to find rhythm against one of Asia’s strongest teams.

China dominated from the outset, applying constant pressure on the Bangladesh defence, where goalkeeper Mile Akter put in a resilient performance.

China broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half when Zeng Yujia advanced down the right and squared for Yu Xingyue, who finished from close range. Struggling to cope, Bangladesh conceded again in the 82nd minute as Aifang converted a free-kick.